Orillia Council Begins 2021 Budget Talks Today

Orillia Council will get a first look at the 2021 budget today.

Staff will present a draft this afternoon budget that achieves Council’s mandate of a zero per cent increase for the City of Orillia in 2021.

In July, Council provided direction to staff to prepare a 2021 draft budget based on a minimum tax levy increase that includes all tax and non-tax supported services. A contribution from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve is required to achieve a zero per cent increase.

“Recognizing this past year has been difficult for many, Orillia Council put forward a mandate for a zero per cent tax increase for 2021. As a municipality, we continue to provide and improve upon many important services for our residents and businesses and continue with our capital project plans to ensure we are set for a successful post pandemic recovery. The significant contributions recent Councils have made to City reserves has enabled us to financially weather the COVID-19 pandemic and I look forward to deliberating and debating the details of the 2021 budget in the coming weeks,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.

Council will receive the 2021 draft budget package on Nov. 16, along with an overview of the City’s 2020 financial position, an introduction to the 2021 draft budget and staff budget reports.

“With so many uncertainties related to COVID-19, staff focused on preparing a status quo budget with minimal bottom line impact in order to achieve Council’s mandate of a zero per cent increase,” said Jim Lang, City Treasurer. “Council will review and debate the draft budget in the coming weeks with final ratification planned for Dec. 7.”

For more details, please click here.

#Orillia Council will get a first look at the 2021 budget on Monday, Nov. 16 as staff present a draft budget that achieves Council’s mandate of a zero per cent increase for the City of Orillia in 2021. Details: https://t.co/QiNt2Xx72L pic.twitter.com/w5znBtJToF

— City of Orillia (@cityoforillia) November 13, 2020

Upcoming budget meetings: